Why children and teenagers need to stay active

Physical activity is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.

Physical activity refers to all movement, including during leisure time, for transport to get to and from places, or as part of a person’s work or domestic activities.

Both moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity improve health.

Popular ways to be active include walking, cycling, wheeling, sports, active recreation and play, and can be done at any level of skill and for enjoyment by everybody. 

Physical activity is beneficial to health and well-being and conversely, physical inactivity increases risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and other poor health outcomes.

Together, physical inactivity and sedentary behaviours are contributing to the rise in NCDs and placing a burden on healthcare systems.